Wilfred Benitez Pins and Buttons
Description: 1979 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, two greats came together at welterweight. Wilfred Benitez, still just 20 years of age but already a former champion, “El Radar” having been stripped of the 140-pound title he had won at age 17 due to inactivity, met defending welterweight champ Carlos Palomino. Mexico’s Palomino, who was making his 8th defense of the WBC crown, was nine years the older man at 29. Palomino was 27-1-3 upon entering the ring, while Benitez was unbeaten at 36-0-1.
Description: Wilfred "Wilfredo" Benítez Rosa (born September 12, 1958), better known as Wilfred Benitez, is a Puerto Rican former professional boxer and the youngest world champion in the sport's history. Earning his first of three career world titles in separate weight divisions at the age of seventeen, he is best remembered as a skilled and aggressive fighter. He is widely considered one of the greatest defensive boxers of all time. He is also remembered for his fights with Roberto Durán, Thomas Hearns, and Sugar Ray Leonard. Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1996, he is considered among the best Puerto Rican boxers of all time.
Description: The January 14, 1979, clash between Carlos Palomino and Wilfred Benitez occurred at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Benitez captured the WBC World Welterweight Title in a split decision victory after 15 rounds. The fight, promoted by Bob Arum's Top Rank, saw Palomino attempting his eighth title defense against a younger, undefeated challenger. At 29, Palomino was considered a dangerous veteran, while the 20-year-old Benitez, already a former WBA Junior Welterweight champion, brought a reputation for being a defensive master.
